As early as 1986, Chinese researchers have studied the safety of marigold extract for eyes; experiments have confirmed that marigold root extract contains more thiophene compounds, which can cause irritation to human skin, form blisters, and threaten health!
In 2005, the European Commission for Consumer Products Science, SCCP, believed that marigold lutein and essential oils are phototoxic. Since there is no basis for a safe dosage, it is recommended that marigold plant extracts and essential oils should not be used in cosmetics. Until 2013, the International Association of Flavors and Fragrances updated the information dossier of such substances, which determined the maximum allowable concentration of marigold extract lutein and essential oils to be used in stay cosmetics as 0.01%.
Therefore, in 2015, the European Union SCCS re-evaluated the extracts and essential oils of marigold plants. This evaluation is only for phototoxicity.
The European Union SCCS believes that: marigold and maidenhair extracts and essential oils are safe when the maximum allowable concentration is 0.01% in stay cosmetics (except sunscreen products), but the α-trithiophene contained in them must not exceed 0.35%.
Marigold and maidenhair extracts and essential oils cannot be used in sunscreen products. Because under ultraviolet radiation, phototoxicity will increase!
In 2016, the SCCS pointed out that the maximum allowable concentration of small marigold, maidenhair extract and oil in rinse-off cosmetics should be set at 0.1%.
In 2018, the European Union officially classified marigold as a banned ingredient in cosmetics! The European Union Gazette announced the European Commission’s amendment No. 2018/978, which officially updated Annexes II and III of the EU cosmetics regulations, including marigold petal extract and flower oils in the list of prohibited substances, and small marigold and maidenhair flower extracts and flower oils. List of substances used.
Although there is no case of photosensitivity dermatitis caused by marigold flower extract/oil, EU research believes that the α-tertthiophene is phototoxic to humans.
The prohibition of relevant raw materials in our country can eliminate safety hazards on the one hand, and on the other hand, it can be on the same track with foreign standards, which is of far-reaching significance! Why is it not banned in food? Because the limit of lutein in food is ≤12mg/day, the main ingredient is already very low, and α-tertthiophene is safe to account for ≤0.35% of its components. It is safe to use as a food. Will not cause safety hazards. Moreover, this study is aimed at the phototoxicity of α-tertthiophene, which doubles its phototoxicity under ultraviolet light and has potential skin hazards, so its use in cosmetics is prohibited.
